Liberty student Hunter Rials demonstrates a project in Makerspace, one innovation that led to Liberty’s honor as “Model School” by International Center for Leadership in Education. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – With a new, prestigious honor, the population at Liberty Middle School justifiably can hold their heads a bit higher.

International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) named Liberty as a “Model School” for 2016. Center headquarters are in Rexford, N.Y.

“Selected schools highlight their innovative and best practices,” Liberty Principal Nelson Brown said. “Some of the initiatives the ICLE recognized us for are our daily schedule, electives, Summer @ the Den program and our Makerspace.”

“We feel very honored to be selected,” Brown said.

A group from Liberty will join other educators from “Model School” designees across the United States at the 24th annual Model Schools Conference on June 26-29 in Orlando. Delegates will share best practices and other imaginative curricula at their respective schools.

“The ICLE asked us a lot of follow-up questions,” Brown said. Brown and Liberty staff explained rotating block schedules in Madison’s middle schools.

They discussed Liberty’s Makerspace, a dedicated area for students to work on special projects and generate objects with tools like a 3D scanner, electronic components and software.

Another new approach was Liberty’s “Summer @ the Den” with courses in academics and personal enrichment for students in grades 5-9. “STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was added as an elective a couple of years ago and is very popular,” Brown said.

“We continue to look for ways to provide this opportunity for students that are interested,” Brown said.

An ICLE committee selected only 25 elementary, middle and high schools from submissions that documented best practices and innovations.

“It’s always rewarding when others outside our school district recognize the outstanding performance of our schools,” superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said. “I am excited that our system shines in so many ways.”

“What a wonderful way to kick off the new year and set the stage for more great things ahead,” Fowler said.

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